Is Paul Castellano a millionaire?

Short Presentation

Paul Castellano, also known as "Big Paulie," was an American crime boss who led the Gambino crime family, one of the "Five Families" that dominate organized crime activities in New York City. Born in 1915, Castellano rose through the ranks of the Mafia to become a prominent figure in the criminal underworld.

Early Life

Paul Castellano was born on June 26, 1915, in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up in a household with strong ties to the Mafia; his father was a butcher and a member of the Mangano crime family, which later became the Gambino family. Castellano dropped out of school in the eighth grade and began working in the family business.

Personal Life

Paul Castellano married Nina Manno in 1937, and the couple had three children together. Castellano was known for his preference for a more lavish, suburban lifestyle compared to his fellow mobsters. He lived in a mansion in Staten Island, which was dubbed the "White House" due to its resemblance to the presidential residence.

Professional Life

Castellano became the head of the Gambino crime family in 1976, following the death of Carlo Gambino. Under his leadership, the family expanded its operations into new areas, including white-collar crime. However, his tenure was marked by internal strife, leading to his assassination in 1985, orchestrated by John Gotti.

What Were Paul Castellano's Notable Achievements?

Paul Castellano is credited with modernizing the Gambino crime family's operations, expanding into legitimate business ventures and white-collar crimes such as stock fraud and extortion. His strategic vision helped the family amass significant wealth during his tenure.

What Scandals Was Paul Castellano Involved In?

Paul Castellano's reign was riddled with scandals, including allegations of tax evasion